Kamal Kumar Biswas. TOD.Kushmandi
With the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 approaching, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday intensified his criticism of the ruling Trinamool Congress, invoking football, governance failures and public discontent in a bid to shape the political narrative.
Speaking at a rally in South Dinajpur’s Kushmandi, Mr. Modi accused the state government of allowing “syndicate culture” to seep into everyday life, including Bengal’s most cherished sport. He cited the controversy surrounding the recent Kolkata visit of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, where a widely anticipated appearance at Salt Lake Stadium devolved into disorder. Allegations emerged that influential figures dominated access, leaving many paying spectators unable to see the player, alongside reports of vandalism inside the stadium.“What the country witnessed at Yuva Bharati reflects how deeply syndicate raj has penetrated,” Mr. Modi said, presenting the episode as symbolic of broader administrative lapses.
He also pointed to a rare moment of unity between supporters of East Bengal Club and Mohun Bagan Super Giant during demonstrations linked to the RG Kar protest movement. The coming together of the traditionally rival fan bases, he suggested, illustrated the potential for collective political action against the ruling party.Shifting focus beyond sport, Mr. Modi sharpened his attack on issues of law and order, particularly women’s safety. Referring to incidents from Sandeshkhali to the RG Kar case, he said that if his party came to power, past cases would be reopened and accountability enforced. His remarks signaled an increasingly forceful campaign tone.
The political temperature has also been heightened by allegations surrounding the treatment of India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, during a recent visit to Siliguri. Opposition leaders have described the episode as a lapse in protocol that undermined the dignity of the office, an assertion the state government has disputed.Mr. Modi further criticized the administration over what he described as the deteriorating condition of Balurghat University, adding education to the list of governance concerns raised during the campaign.
Analysts view the Prime Minister’s remarks as a strategic effort to connect with urban and suburban voters, particularly Kolkata’s middle class and its large community of football enthusiasts. By linking a global sports figure with local grievances and invoking the symbolism of unity among rival fans, the speech sought to merge cultural identity with political messaging.Whether this blend of sport and politics will yield electoral dividends remains to be seen. As campaigning gathers pace, however, it is clear that in West Bengal’s evolving political contest, even football has taken on a distinctly political role.
0 Comments